The night was ablaze, shimmering with the glow of countless colorful lanterns. Every corner of the territory was bathed in light; in the bustling market streets, it looked as if rivers of radiance were flowing through the narrow alleys.

  They arrived at the Grand Palace a magnificent pavilion where the glorious voice of King Dao Shuling once echoed. A place that had remained desolate for so many years was suddenly transformed into a vibrant sea of people. Above, the stars sparkled in the firmament, and below, a symphony of lights danced in every direction.

  Leading the procession were Yu Sui and Mo Yan. Following closely behind them were Duie, Lady Shiyan Lee, and Lady Wang Ayi. The atmosphere was so lively and grand that it felt like a sight never before witnessed in this world.

  Suddenly, the massive doors of the pavilion swung open, revealing the majestic hall where King Dao Shuling used to hold his court. With every step forward, Mo Yan’s eyes grew misty.

  Beside him, Yu Sui felt his own heart heavy with emotion; he recognized the silent pain and longing in Mo Yan that the others could not see.

  Before them stood the throne. It had been kept so pristine and untouched that it looked as if it had been prepared just moments ago. Every eye was fixed on its dazzling splendor.

  The pride in the hearts of Lady Shiyan Lee and Lady Wang Ayi reached the heavens. Their eyes shone with an unspoken glory and prestige. As they reached the foot of the throne, the coronation ceremony commenced. Resting upon the seat of the throne was a golden sword, stood upright the pride of King Dao Shuling’s hands.

  Though Queen Guzuie and King Dao Shuling were no longer of this world, the sword resting on that throne made their presence felt even today. Suddenly, the entire assembly fell to their knees. To give King Dao Shuling the honor he deserved one last time, Lady Shiyan Lee and Lady Wang Ayi knelt, and Duie followed suit. Everyone joined their hands forward, paying their deepest respects to the late King.

  Finally, Yu Sui and Mo Yan knelt together. In perfect unison, they extended their hands and bowed low.

  For a few moments, a profound silence hung over the hall as they remained in that posture. When Yu Sui and Mo Yan finally stood up, the crowd behind them rose as well.

  It was then that Duie’s eyes caught sight of another sword standing right beside the throne. He leaned in and whispered stealthily to Lady Wang Ayi, "Master... whose is that second sword?"

  As Lady Wang Ayi glanced at the sword, its distinct pistachio-colored hue immediately told her the truth. It was Queen Guzuie’s blade. Looking at Duie, she whispered, "That is Queen Guzuie’s sword. Lady Shiyan Lee was the one who found it."

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  Duie went silent for a moment, lost in thought. Just then, an eminent Grandmaster, invited by Lady Shiyan Lee, stepped forward. One look at Mo Yan and the old master knew exactly who he was meeting today. He turned directly toward Mo Yan, his aged eyes reflecting years of wisdom. "You look exactly like your mother," he remarked softly.

  Hearing this, Yu Sui looked at Mo Yan intently, taking in his features. From behind, Duie gave Yu Sui a light nudge, gesturing for him to stand straight and maintain decorum.

  Without further delay, the Grandmaster stepped forward. He lifted the King's sword from the throne and, holding it out with both hands, let his voice boom across the hall.

  "Let the rite be observed!"

  At his command, everyone knelt once more, including Yu Sui and Mo Yan, their postures disciplined and steady. The Grandmaster approached Mo Yan and said, "Extend both your hands."

  As Mo Yan held out his hands, the Grandmaster placed the sword upon them and spoke in a voice like rolling thunder:

  "As the shadow of the clouds always lingers upon the earth... as the sun forever grants us its warmth... as every autumn is followed by the bloom of spring... so shall the reign of the King seated upon this throne flourish and prosper!"

  Note: If you are reading this on any site other than Royal Road, this content has been stolen. Support the author Mohi Koshi by reading "Grandmaster of Black Heaven" on the original platform.

  The Grandmaster then looked straight ahead and declared, "From this day forth, the sole King of every moon and sun in this realm shall be... His Majesty..."

  Suddenly, he stopped. A dead silence followed. He had completely forgotten the King's name.

  The guests tilted their heads slightly to look at him in confusion. But Duie knew the old man's antics; he was thoroughly enjoying the moment, burying his face to hide his laughter. Looking a bit embarrassed, the Grandmaster glanced down toward Yu Sui. Understanding the predicament immediately, Yu Sui whispered under his breath, "Mo Yan."

  The Grandmaster straightened up instantly and resumed with renewed vigor, "From this day forth, the sole heir to every grain of dust in this territory is... His Majesty, Mo Yan!"

  Everyone lifted their heads, filled with the magnificence of this glorious moment. Tears of joy finally escaped the eyes of Lady Shiyan Lee and Lady Wang Ayi, though their faces beamed with smiles.

  As the crowd prepared to rise, a disciple of the Grandmaster signaled everyone to remain seated. Duie was still struggling to hide his giggles behind his hands.

  Suddenly, the hall gasped as the Grandmaster picked up Queen Guzuie’s sword. Mo Yan, Lady Wang Ayi, and Lady Shiyan Lee watched him in shock. The two ladies exchanged a bewildered look.

  And when the Grandmaster spoke, the hall erupted in stifled laughter.

  He looked at Yu Sui and commanded, "Extend your hands!"

  Placing the Queen's sword onto Yu Sui's palms, he announced loudly. This time, Duie could no longer hold it in.

  The Grandmaster proclaimed, "And the Empress... Yu Sui! Under your watchful gaze, these heavens and this earth shall always remain blissful and prosperous!"

  The entire hall burst into laughter. Lady Wang Ayi and Lady Shiyan Lee began to blush out of shyness. Yu Sui, however, looked as if his soul had been hit by a spiritual shockwave. His face was a mask of utter disbelief.

  When he glanced at Mo Yan sitting beside him, he saw a faint, extremely subtle smile playing on Mo Yan's lips. Then, Yu Sui’s gaze shifted to Duie behind him. Seeing Yu Sui’s murderous glare, Duie bolted for the door.

  In a flash, Yu Sui still clutching the Queen’s sword was hot on his heels. He knew this mischief could be the work of no one else but Duie.

  Behind them, the Grandmaster’s voice echoed through the hall: "Empress! This behavior does not become your station!"

  From the distance, Yu Sui’s voice roared back, "Shut up, you old fogey! Do I look like a girl to you!?"